Guntersville Rec director fired over mishandling of funds

GUNTERSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -

Guntersville's Park and Recreational Director Ken Ard was fired after officials said he mishandled thousands of dollars of the center's funds.

Guntersville Mayor Bob Hembree said in the last couple of weeks the accounting department noticed a considerable increase in funds going out from the line item of the rec center where referees are paid.

On Thursday, Ard was suspended from his position.

According to Mayor Hembree, Ard told him the amount was approximately $15,000 and offered to pay it back in order to keep his job. After consulting with the District Attorney's office, Ard was terminated from the city Friday afternoon.

Hembree said an outside agency has been called to investigate. An audit is now underway to determine the amount of misappropriated funds.

Mayor Hembree said Ard had been serving as the Recreation Department Director for about four years.

The mayor called the situation "sad." Hembree said Ard a wonderful recreation director and really felt he would be lost to a larger city due to his talents.

Mayor Hembree said the city has requested the Alabama Bureau of Investigation look into the matter.